Mercedes-Benz at "Auto China 2010": World premiere of the Concept Shooting Break

With exciting dream cars which combine emotionally-appealing designs, trend-setting technologies and hand-crafted perfection, Mercedes-Benz is highlighting its leadership aspirations in the premium motor car class at this year's "Auto China 2010". The centrepiece of its presence in Beijing is the world premiere of the Concept Shooting Break - a vehicle which represents a further insight by Mercedes designers into the possible future development of the Coupé concept. The second world premiere, meanwhile, has been tailor-made for the growing market for luxury chauffeur-driven saloons in China: the long version of the E-Class. Also celebrating their Asia premieres in Beijing are the E-Class Cabriolet and the SLS AMG gullwing.

Wide and flat, with a long bonnet and a roof which continues through to the rear: the ConceptShooting Break features some astonishing proportions. The design of the front is completely new: the radiator grille, with the large star and eye-catching, bionic slats, has been designed separately. The side profile is given a touch of dynamism thanks to the high, exaggerated beltline sweeping towards the rear. The coupé-like side view is also emphasised with a low window design which also highlights the greenhouse with polished aluminium trim. The interior is dominated by natural wood and leather materials, while the wooden floor of the luggage compartment reflects the true interpretation of this area of the vehicle .

With a length of 5008 millimetres and a wheelbase of 3014 millimetres, the new long version of the E-Class is even better positioned to meet the requirements of the Chinese market in this vehicle class. As a result, in the rear of the five-seater vehicle passengers can enjoy an extra 14 centimetres of legroom compared with the regular wheelbase E-Class, which is already renowned for its comfort. Another added touch for comfort: the front passenger seat is also electrically adjustable from the rear. Sales of this model will start in China on 18 July 2010.

The highly appealing and emotionally charged Cabriolet is the latest addition to the successful Mercedes-Benz E-Class line-up. The open-top two-door model features a classic fabric soft top, making for a stylistically pure cabriolet feeling. Viewed from the side, the new model is an intriguing proposition – with its clear proportions and a flawless cabriolet silhouette. With its innovative automatic AIRCAP® draught-stop, enhanced AIRSCARF® neck-level heating and also acoustic cabriolet soft top, which comes as standard, the new E-Class Cabriolet provides a level of all-year-round for four passengers comfort which is unique in the open-top car segment.

The distinctive styling of the new SLS AMG enthrals with its passionate sportiness and reinterprets the breathtaking lines of the legendary 300 SL – one of the outstanding design icons of the Mercedes-Benz brand. The long bonnet, the low greenhouse positioned well to the rear and the short rear end with an extendable aerofoil are just as powerful a reminder of the superlative dynamism as the long wheelbase, the wide track and the large wheels. The short overhangs feed through into the proportions, as does the design of the super sports car with its low-slung front-mid-engine set well back and dual-clutch transmission in transaxle configuration. An undoubted styling highlight comes courtesy of the swing-wing doors, which lend the SLS AMG its incomparable charisma.